The union said it held an "emergency meeting" on Monday (December 3) and unanimously passed a vote of no confidence in those in charge of the region's fire service.

The union said it has "continually raised concerns" over plans it said "seek to reduce both public and firefighter safety".

It said management are trying to introduce smaller fire engines that the union said carry less life-saving equipment.

The union's south east regional secretary Joseph Weir said it was "not an overnight decision" and the union hopes to bring the leadership "back to the table". But that the vote is the result of "building ill feeling" and shows the senior leadership has "lost its staff".

In practical terms the vote does not change the leadership and all firefighters will stay in post, but as a gesture it shows the growing tension between the fire service and its workers' union.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue said it is "disappointed " that the union has "departed from the normal procedures and have not liaised with the Fire Authority".